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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville applied communication studies major Catherine Don is receiving her second master’s degree during SIUE’s spring commencement exercises. Originally from Nairobi, Kenya, where she has an extensive background in the public relations department at two different universities, Don is looking forward to a career that involves her specialization in communications and public relations in the health industry. Don has been a public relations and fundraising officer for the Kenya Society for the Blind as well as a member of Rotary International since 2013. Here she shares her reflections on her upcoming commencement, in her own words.

Walking across the commencement stage at SIUE feels surreal. This moment is filled with gratitude, growth, and a deep sense of purpose. It’s a powerful contrast to my very first day on campus, when I stepped into a new country, a new culture, and a new chapter with equal parts excitement and uncertainty.

Although I didn’t begin my college career at SIUE, I chose this university to advance my academic and professional goals. After years of working in communications, I knew I needed a program that would not only sharpen my skills but also offer a meaningful path in public affairs and health communication. SIUE’s commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement made it an easy choice.

The support I’ve received during my time at SIUE has been the foundation of my success. My loving husband, Don, has been my rock, encouraging me through every challenge. Our children Ailsa, Alpha, and Amari, have been my biggest cheerleaders and my inspiration to keep going, especially during the most difficult days. Their love and belief in me gave me the strength to push forward. My parents’ prayers kept me going too, I am grateful.

Transitioning to life in Edwardsville came with its own set of challenges. Sharing accommodations, adapting to a new learning environment, and balancing academic demands with long-distance family life tested my resilience. But these challenges also brought unexpected gifts; lifelong friendships, personal growth, and a deepened understanding of what it means to be part of a global academic community.

There are memories that will stay with me forever: presenting my Health literacy and cultural contexts effectiveness on immunization programs in Kenya project and Flipping the Script: Improving Face-to-Face Interactions with Lessons from Computer-Mediated Communication (and vice versa) at CSCA 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio on April 3, exchanging ideas with classmates from diverse backgrounds, and receiving encouragement from faculty who truly cared about my success. Every presentation, every paper, and every group project taught me not just academic theory, but also empathy, leadership, and cultural sensitivity.

While I was not heavily involved in student organizations, I engaged in volunteer and service activities through community events and cultural programs, especially through the local Rotary Club. These experiences allowed me to connect with others, apply my communication skills in real-world settings, and contribute to causes that matter deeply to me.

If I could offer advice to my younger self, it would be this: “You are stronger than you think. Trust the journey, even when it feels uncertain. Growth often comes disguised as challenge.”

To the next generation of Cougars: Make the most of your time here. Build meaningful relationships with your peers and professors, seek out opportunities that stretch your abilities, and never be afraid to speak your truth. SIUE is a place that will challenge and support you in equal measure, embrace it fully.

Post-commencement, I plan to pursue a PhD in Health Communication. My passion for improving public health through culturally sensitive communication continues to grow, and I’m excited to further explore how we can build healthier, more informed communities across the globe.

To everyone at SIUE—all my professors (especially Drs. Cheah, Liu, Nastasia, Debbie, Scott, Musonda), classmates, ACS colleagues and the broader university community-- thank you for being part of this incredible journey. And to my family, thank you for walking every step of this path with me. This achievement is ours. Cheers to the Dons!

PHOTO:  Catherine Don, 2025 master’s candidate in applied communications studies